Emery reveals Watkins apology as striker seals Villa departure

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery announced that striker Ollie Watkins would be leaving the club in a £50 million ($67 million) transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, according to British media reports. Emery revealed that Watkins had apologized for making himself unavailable for the club's Premier League opener, admitting he had become emotional during their goodbye.

The England forward is currently the club's record Premier League scorer with 91 goals and 108 goals in all competitions since joining Villa from Brentford for £28 million in 2020. Emery defended the club's transfer strategy, stating that difficult decisions were necessary for the team's development, while acknowledging that selling players was not the club's ultimate goal.

Watkins' departure marks the latest key player to leave Villa, with goalkeeper Emi Martinez also set to join Chelsea, as the club continues to rebuild its squad ahead of the new season.